Young Carers

There are over 40,000 young people in WA who have a sibling, parent or family member with disability, physical or mental health challenges – they are called ‘young carers’. It is important to recognise that young carers take on extra practical and emotional responsibilities that other young people don’t have to.

The support that young carers provide does not go unnoticed. There is free support and a team dedicated to helping young carers thrive and reach their individual goals.

I’m a young carer or a parent of a young carer.

I’m from a school or organisation.

Refer A Young Carer

To refer a young carer directly, please complete a referral or self-referral form here
or call us on 1300 227 377.

Please note, this is not an emergency or crisis service. If the situation is an emergency, please contact Emergency Services on 000, Lifeline: 13 11 14, Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.

Carers WA supports the rights of children and young people and is committed to providing a safe and supportive service environment directed at ensuring their safety, health, and wellbeing. To support this commitment, we are dedicated to adhering to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.

Who is a young carer?

A “young carer” is a person under the age of 25 who helps support a member of their household who is experiencing a mental health challenge, disability, long term health condition (including a chronic condition or terminal illness), a substance dependency or who is frail aged.

For many young carers, helping to look after somebody else is just a normal part of life, just like going to school or work. Even though this can be a rewarding experience, it can sometimes be challenging. At Carers WA, we actively engage with families, education facilities and service providers to increase awareness and support for young carers in the community.

Meet our young carers

Carers WA Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

The Carers WA Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a group of eight young people aged 16 – 25 years with current or previous experience of being a young carer. * The YAG aims to give young carers a voice by: Giving the members a say in the programs, policies and initiatives that affect young carers
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Alex

Finding Liberation and Resilience Through Cycling and Pushing Limits

Carers WA respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only. Carers WA is committed to understanding, embracing and celebrating the rich and multi-dimensional experiences that shape our lives and aims to ensure that everyone who engages with the organisation feels welcome and included. Carers WA welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Carers WA acknowledges the Wadjuk Noongar Nation’s lands, water, customs, and culture of which the Carers WA Head Office is located. Carers WA recognises our services reach beyond the Perth (Boorloo) region, and so we also acknowledge the cultural diversity of First Nations Peoples across our state and throughout Australia.